Why Does My German Shepherd Circle Me?
Adoption Tips of The Week
Why Does My German Shepherd Circle Me?
Understanding This Puzzling GSD Behavior
Wherever you go, your German Shepherd wants to be with you - this is what trustworthy protection and herding dogs do.
While it may be sweet at first, if your German Shepherd is circling you repeatedly, this behavior can get annoying.
So it’s perfectly normal to wonder if there’s a specific reason why your GSD circles you, and if there’s a way to stop this behavior.
The reigning theory is that this is a herding behavior, and possibly a greeting behavior as well.
GSD circling as a herding behavior
The circling behavior has some roots in a newer style of sheep herding from Germany.
With this "tending style", the GSD's job is to become a living fence of sorts, nipping at the heels of any sheep that break formation.
When your German Shepherd repeatedly circles you, they're trying to create a protective perimeter around you to keep you safe.
GSD circling as a greeting behavior
When your dog gets over-the-top excited to see you when you get home, this rush of energy may turn into a fit of circling behavior.
Along with face licking, tail wagging, and staring at you, circling behavior can be a part of the greeting process for wild canids.
Should You Worry About Your German Shepherd Circling You?
GSDs that are continuously allowed to circle their owners may start to do it with other people too - including total strangers!
Although this likely won’t be an issue for people that are used to being around dogs, this can be frightening for those that aren’t.
Especially with larger dogs like German Shepherds.
Health Reasons Your German Shepherd Might Be Circling
On top of instinctual and behavioral reasons for GSDs to circle their people, there are some age and health-related reasons to consider:
Past trauma or abuse
Some dogs may choose to circle or walk between your legs because they want to greet you but are fearful of being petted.
This may apply if your German Shepherd is a rescue dog that has experienced trauma or abuse in the past.
Your dog wants to greet you but is afraid of standing still and being touched for fear it won't be a loving interaction.
Onset of canine dementia & cognitive decline
If you have a senior German Shepherd, it’s important to know that circling behavior can also indicate canine dementia.
Cognitive decline can cause changes to the spatial processing center of a dog's brain.
This is in turn can cause difficulties with navigating and moving around.
Problems in the tail area or hindquarters
Problems in the hindquarters like impacted anal glands, yeast or bacterial infections, or stiffness/joint pain can also be to blame.
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ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
Is Tuna Safe For Dogs To Eat?
In this article, we explain if dogs can eat tuna, if canned or raw tuna makes a difference, and if tuna is safe for puppies.
For the most part, your dog will be fine if they have a little tuna. However, this should only be in small amounts.
Keep the portion sizes small, never give them a whole can, and don’t give your pup tuna more than a couple of times a month.
Click below to learn more!
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Why Is My German Shepherd So Skinny?
How Do I Fatten Up My GSD & Monitor Their Weight?
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Are You Ready For Summer?! 😂
We would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness for www.newbeginningsrescue.com.
This is a rescue charity that does amazing work to raise awareness for the thousands of GSDs needing homes across the USA.
They're a national rescue of 17 years and have a sister rescue in LA that is a GSD rescue as well.
They do need help getting the word out that they're trying to find fosters in all states.
They also need drivers to get these amazing dogs from point A to point B in those areas.
They help countless medical cases and heartworm positive dogs and always need donations from other animal lovers as well.
Please visit their website for more information and to find out how you can help!
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